Trade & FA 2025-26: Free Agency Starts 5pm CST/6pm EST

[F Gump]

Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass)
There is speculation that Damian Lillard could be back around the All-Star break and there are double-digit teams calling him interested in signing him, per @MarcJSpears

This sounds like complete BS. If that was his prognosis, why would MIL waive him and eat 110M? Thats not the sort of timeline we ever see in the past for recovery from an Achilles injury.

[SleepingHero]

This sounds like complete BS. If that was his prognosis, why would MIL waive him and eat 110M? Thats not the sort of timeline we ever see in the past for recovery from an Achilles injury.

It's happened only very few times before for someone to return sub ~300 days from an achilles injury. Billups, Kobe, and Elton Brand to name a few. 

Lillard tore his achilles on 4/27/25. The ASB next year will be about 295 days from then. So is it possible? Yes. Unlikely? Very much so.

[SleepingHero]

@TheDunkCentral
The Indiana Pacers are showing interest in Deandre Ayton, per @JakeLFischer


“Sources say that the Pacers have, however, registered interest in Ayton. Don't forget that the contract Ayton just terminated through his Blazers buyout was a four-year, $133 offer sheet that he originally signed with Indiana in July 2022 as a Phoenix Suns restricted free agent.”

[Ghost of Podkolzin]

https://clutchpoints.com/nba/chicago-bul...here-close

Thoughts on Giddy? Looks like CHI will wait before they force the issue.

[Ghost of Podkolzin]

https://clutchpoints.com/nba/chicago-bul...here-close

Thoughts on Giddy?  Looks like CHI will wait before they force the issue.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/matissa/202...look-like/

If he doesn't want to sign in CHI, would you consider a S&T at $32mill/yr?

[Jym]

https://clutchpoints.com/nba/chicago-bul...here-close

Thoughts on Giddy?  Looks like CHI will wait before they force the issue.

bad fit 
we already have questionable shooting and spacing

[Mavs2021]

https://clutchpoints.com/nba/chicago-bul...here-close

Thoughts on Giddy?  Looks like CHI will wait before they force the issue.

Chicago always do this. Markkanen and White were also the last RFAs to sign extension.

[Smitty]

https://www.forbes.com/sites/matissa/202...look-like/

If he doesn't want to sign in CHI, would you consider a S&T at $32mill/yr?

The Mavs can't receive a player in a Sign and Trade. Triggers a hard cap at A1

[Kidnova]

It's happened only very few times before for someone to return sub ~300 days from an achilles injury. Billups, Kobe, and Elton Brand to name a few. 

Lillard tore his achilles on 4/27/25. The ASB next year will be about 295 days from then. So is it possible? Yes. Unlikely? Very much so.

Wes Matthews beat that timeline, but obviously he wasn't the same player as he was before the injury.

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

https://clutchpoints.com/nba/chicago-bul...here-close

Thoughts on Giddy? 

Could be a good match if the Mavs want to get younger at the position. 
Cause you KNOW Giddey wants to get "young at the position."

[DallasMaverick]

https://www.forbes.com/sites/matissa/202...look-like/

If he doesn't want to sign in CHI, would you consider a S&T at $32mill/yr?

He’s just a problematic player. Like Luka, needs the ball in his hands to be effective. Unlike Luka, doesn’t command defensive respect from the three point line.

Also struggles on defense.

I suspect CHI is waiting for other teams to make an offer and establish a market for him. If no offers, then a low offer. Maybe $20m/yr?

[Chicagojk]

https://clutchpoints.com/nba/chicago-bul...here-close

Thoughts on Giddy?  Looks like CHI will wait before they force the issue.

I think he signs in Chicago.   As a restricted and no money left, Chicago can take their time.  I think he is eventually re-signed.

I really think Dallas is going to go away from the "true" point guard type.   If Flagg can be a secondary playmaker, I expect Dallas will look to have three creators on the floor most times.  Ideally all long with the exception of Kyrie.    I don't see them going with the point guard who is always the one who initiates offense.

[SleepingHero]

@Gambo987
The Suns have gotten calls on Nick Richards from several teams. Not sure if they would move him. They do like him, and he would be good insurance for Mark Williams should they keep him.

[Ghost of Podkolzin]

He’s just a problematic player. Like Luka, needs the ball in his hands to be effective. Unlike Luka, doesn’t command defensive respect from the three point line.

Also struggles on defense.

I suspect CHI is waiting for other teams to make an offer and establish a market for him. If no offers, then a low offer. Maybe $20m/yr?

I thought his D was actually good.  DefRtg is a little sloppy as an indicator, but he is at 114....

[Chicagojk]

Not bad gm-ing imo

Woody Paige
@woodypaige
·
4h
Four for one for Nuggets: Michael Porter Jr. $38.3 million vs. Cameron Johnson $21 million, Jonas Valanciunas $10.4, Bruce Brown $2.3 mil, Tim Hardaway $2.3 million. Total $37 million.

[Chicagojk]

Dinwiddie to Charlotte


Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
·
41m
Free agent guard Spencer Dinwiddie has agreed to a one-year deal with the Charlotte Hornets, sources tell ESPN. Dinwiddie averaged 14.3 points and 6.2 assists as a starter for the Mavs a season ago and provides a reliable scorer, passer and leader for a young Hornets backcourt.

[SwisherPrice]

Bye bye Dinwiddie. But wouldn't surprise me if he came back in the future someday...they can never completely get rid of him 

[FireNicoHarrison]

@TheDunkCentral
The Indiana Pacers are showing interest in Deandre Ayton, per @JakeLFischer


“Sources say that the Pacers have, however, registered interest in Ayton. Don't forget that the contract Ayton just terminated through his Blazers buyout was a four-year, $133 offer sheet that he originally signed with Indiana in July 2022 as a Phoenix Suns restricted free agent.”

Ops... Pelinka you are done hahahhaahah 

Say goodbye to Luka.

[Mavs2021]

Carlisle and Ayton. Match made in heaven.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Dinwiddie to Charlotte


Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
·
41m
Free agent guard Spencer Dinwiddie has agreed to a one-year deal with the Charlotte Hornets, sources tell ESPN. Dinwiddie averaged 14.3 points and 6.2 assists as a starter for the Mavs a season ago and provides a reliable scorer, passer and leader for a young Hornets backcourt.

Charlotte has a lot of guards: LaMelo Ball, Nick Smith Jr, Tre Mann, Colin Sexton, Kon Knueppel, KJ Simpson, Sion James, Josh Okogie, and Josh Green. I'm sure more moves are forthcoming.